Faith: What values am I for? - Lifestyle - The Intelligencer

Faith: What values am I for? - Lifestyle - The Intelligencer

If we observe actions with objectivity, values can be inferred. How we use our power, time and treasure shows what we are for and against.

Working Title: “Faith and National Responsibilities.”

“We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government, nor are we for this party nor against the other ... but we are for justice and mercy and truth and peace and true freedom, that these may be exalted in our nation, and that goodness, righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity with God, and with one another, that these things may abound.”

― Edward Burrough, I659

These words were published in a 17th-century edition of “Faith and Practice” by the London Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). To say you were “not for” the monarchy or its official religion took courage. A person could be jailed.

Edward Burrough and his fellow Quakers rejected the orthodoxy and political doctrine of their time. They asserted that values like justice, truth, mercy, peace, and freedom were their national responsibility, not unquestioning allegiance to powerful leaders or institutions.

Then as now, Quakers sought to walk the world cheerfully seeking that of God in everyone and trusting in divine guidance to inspire righteous actions.

In this election year, people of faith are confronted with circumstances that resonate with Burrough’s statement. We are expected to be “for” or against civic and political beliefs with names like socialist, populist, fascist, Democrat, Republican, liberal, progressive and conservative.

Prominent individuals call us to be “for” them and against others. Each covets the power of high office and the support of a political party.

About two-thirds of us have strong affinity with one or more of these leaders, titles, or political parties. Indeed, being for one and not for another has deeply divided us as a nation.

So, I’m inclined to set aside old affinities and harken to Edward Burrough by asking: What values am I for?

Unlike hair or eye color, values can’t be seen. Like the wind, they are visible only in their effect.

If we observe actions with objectivity, values can be inferred. How we use our power, time and treasure shows what we are for and against.

A retired man I know has devoted weeks at a time as an unpaid volunteer in Puerto Rico working to help rebuild. Other friends, environmental activists, volunteer with 350.org and CCL, working to reverse climate change.

These good people practice their values with kindness and compassion, and their actions testify to their commitment to justice and community service.

I get no sense that they act out of solemn religious or civic obligation. They share a joyful enthusiasm in these selfless acts. They do their exemplary work in service of values that transcend self-interest or duty.

Actions undertaken joylessly may not be divinely inspired or value-driven. When we imagine we are at risk, our moral compass can spin.

At the Trenton train station, I was approached by a rough and imposing man who said, “Hey buddy, I’m short $4.75 to buy my ticket home. Can you spare me some change?” It was an obvious panhandling pitch, and I said, “No,” and hastened away.

My charitable impulses were stifled by my vanity ― not wanting to be duped or appear intimidated.

In like principle, what we are for with respect to national responsibilities is too easily influenced by our unexamined attitudes and beliefs. Party ideology, charismatic leaders, and political drama distort our perceptions.

America will be best served if we each decide what we are for by examining the actions of those who would lead us. Let us consider how those actions, both personal and civic, square with our divinely inspired values and choose who we are for accordingly.

Deeds, not words, reveal values.

Richmond Shreve is a member of the Newtown Friends Meeting and lives in Newtown. From a Faith Perspective is a weekly column written by members of local faith communities.

2020-03-15 16:15:45Z
https://www.theintell.com/lifestyle/20200315/faith-what-values-am-i-for

Bagikan Berita Ini